The Nile has been the lifeline of civilization in Egypt since the Stone Age, with most of the population and all of the cities of Egypt resting along those parts of the Nile valley lying north of Aswan. Climate change at the end of the most recent ice age led to the formation of the Sahara desert, possibly as long ago as 3400 BC.

While visiting Luxor, every morning, after waking up I would go out to the hotel balcony to have a good look at the river.

The place is just surreal – with cruise vessels plying up and down the river.

The scene of the feluccas in the blue waters are just amazing.

They are like paintings – I was in a trance – made me feel like going several back thousands years !